Barcelona has confirmed the arrival of defender Inigo Martinez on a free transfer on Wednesday at the end of his Athletic Bilbao contract.
The signing of the 32-year-old centre-back, a Spain international, on a contract until 2025, continues the Catalans’ recent policy of hiring experienced players at zero transfer cost.
Credible News recalls that Barcelona signed Manchester City captain, Ilkay Gundogan in similar fashion last week and acquired Chelsea defender, Andreas Christensen and AC Milan midfielder, Franck Kessie after their contracts expired last summer.
“Martinez will sign for two seasons, until June 30 2025, and will have a €400m, $435m, release clause”, the Spanish champions said in a statement.
Martinez, who came through at Real Sociedad and played for them for seven seasons in the top flight, moved to Athletic in January 2017. Athletic Bilbao paid his €32 million, $35 million, buy-out clause, which remains a club record fee.
Credible News reports that Martinez played 177 times for Athletic, scoring eight goals and winning the Spanish Super Cup in 2021, as well as reaching two Copa del Rey finals.